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NASB | Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 5:33 However, each man among you [without exception] is to love his wife as his very own self [with behavior worthy of respect and esteem, always seeking the best for her with an attitude of lovingkindness], and the wife [must see to it] that she respects and delights in her husband [that she notices him and prefers him and treats him with loving concern, treasuring him, honoring him, and holding him dear]. [1 Pet 3:2] |
Subject: love...as himself (if no self-love?) |
Bible Note: Dear Robert: Point well taken. But I did not use the word selfish to describe Jesus. And I hope that I did not imply this in my answer. I agree that Jesus had all these things before the cross and that He did not have to suffer any of these things to obtain them. What I was trying to show is that Jesus was not altogether selfless. He bought us with a price. And a person who is buying is not doing this for selfless reasons. It was necessary that Jesus suffer as a sacrifice in order to redeem us. He did not have to do it. But He desired our salvation because of His great love for us which no man can fathom. Personally, I would have scrapped all of us and started over. But I thank God that He is greater than I and that He is merciful and has such love. My intent was to point out that God is not altogether selfless (not inferring at all that He is selfish). And neither does He expect man to be selfless since He created us in His image. Nor do I see anywhere in the Bible where God expects us to be selfless -- although He does expect obedience, sacrifice, suffering, and patience on our part. I like your insight and your answers. Keep up the good work. Shalom |